Production barriers and technological options for sustainable production of rapeseed-mustard in India

Abstract

Rapeseed-mustard group of crops is the major
oilseed crop of India. Among the seven annual
edible oilseeds, rapeseed-mustard contributes about
23% acreage and over 25 % production for the last
five years. India holds a leading position in rapeseed-
mustard economy of the world with 2nd and
3rd rank in area and production respectively during
2010-11. This group of oilseed crops is gaining wide
acceptance among the farmers because of
adaptability for both irrigated as well as rainfed
areas and suitability for sole as well as mixed
cropping. Besides, it offers higher return with low
cost of production and low water requirement.
Being a rabi crop and having an advantage of soil
moisture conserved during monsoon, it has greater
potential to increase the availability of edible oil from
the domestic production.